If you’ve ever read anything by or about Friedrich Nietzsche, you may be familiar with his concepts of will to power and the ubermensch (overman). These two key terms express Nietzsche’s defining characteristic: becoming.

His book, Thus Spake Zarathustra, is a series of speeches and interactions of the prophet/hermit Zarathustra with various people and animals. Zarathustra challenges traditional moral values, condemns the herd mentality, and urges us to embrace our individuality and authenticity. You can tell through Zarathustra that Nietzsche was not a fan of static, business-as-usual living. 

The book’s main theme revolves around the concept of the overman, a higher form of humanity that transcends conventional moral and societal norms. Zarathustra’s overman was more about individual becoming or, better yet, overcoming, than it was about social conformity to arbitrary standards.

This is why Zarathustra is portrayed as a hermit until he comes down from his cave to interact with the world. Then he embodies a prophet of the coming era. Indeed, Nietzsche has Zarathustra say several times in the book, “Break, break, you lovers of knowledge, the old tablets” (p. 200, 202, 204). This is a proclamation to seek change, to embrace the ever-evolving flux of life instead of haphazardly attempting to hold a tradition. It is this implication that makes Nietzsche’s work so important for martial artists, precisely his encouragement to live fully and constantly pursue personal growth and transformation through the process of overcoming.

Here are a few ways some of Nietzsche’s ideas can be relevant to martial artists*:

Overcoming Oneself

Nietzsche emphasized the concept of self-overcoming or becoming, a process of personal evolution. He believed that individuals should strive to surpass their limitations and transcend (or overcome) their current state. Martial artists can embrace this idea by continuously seeking improvement (rather than a belt), pushing beyond their comfort zones (rather than only doing what is comfortable), and working on their weaknesses to become better versions of themselves. 

In various disciplines, practitioners train to refine their techniques, physical abilities, and mental toughness by testing themselves against others. These arts encourage us to constantly improve, adapt, and grow, the essence of Nietzsche’s idea of becoming. Through his Zarathustra, Nietzsche says, “I teach you the overman. Man is something that shall be overcome. What have you done to overcome him?” (p. 12). Also, “life itself confided this secret to me: ‘Behold,’ it said, ‘I am that which must always overcome itself’” (p. 115). Well, martial artist, what have you done to overcome yourself?

Will to Power

Nietzsche discussed the “will to power” in several of his works. This phrase refers to our fundamental drive to take control of our lives. Martial artists can embody this idea by cultivating a strong will, determination, and discipline. Will to power applies to goals in training, competition, and life and how we manifest those goals through our efforts. 

Embracing Challenges

Nietzsche saw challenges and struggles as opportunities for personal growth. Martial artists often face physical and mental challenges in their training and competitions. By embracing these challenges rather than avoiding them, martial artists can develop resilience, learn from failures, and ultimately become stronger. By challenging yourself against better opponents and training partners or handicapping yourself during sparring or a roll, you can challenge yourself to become someone different, a better version of yourself. I, along with Nietzsche, believe we need more adversity in our lives to make us stronger, to help us forge a stronger mental metal.

Individuality and Authenticity

One thing Nietzsche was antagonistic toward was the idea of fakeness often exhibited in his world (and ours). He valued uniqueness and being authentic, being real. Martial artists can apply this by embracing their unique style, personality, and approach to their practice rather than mimicking what some influencer is propagating on social media. Finding your own path in the martial arts journey is vital to growth and becoming. Whether this means discovering a set of moves that define your style in the art (think De la Riva’s guard, Roger Gracie’s chokes, or Koga’s seoi nages), or by developing an innovative way to teach the art (John Danaher, Darcel Yandzi, etc.).

What makes you unique in the art(s) you practice? Is it your body type, your neurodiversity, or perhaps a physical limitation? I am reminded of Bill ‘Superfoot’ Wallace and Roberto ‘Gordo’ Correa, both of which allowed their injuries to define their styles positively.

Nietzsche saw the various challenges and struggles in our lives as opportunities to grow, to progress, to become. This follows various martial arts philosophies from trend-setters and boundary-pushers such as Bruce Lee, who said be like water, flowing rather than standing still. The essence of the overman is in the change, the becoming, the overcoming. According to Nietzsche’s Zarathustra, “I picked up the word ‘overman’ by the way, and that man is something that must be overcome—that man is a bridge and now end: proclaiming himself blessed in view of his noon and evening, as the way to new dawns” (p. 198). To reach new dawns means embracing change and struggle. How can you apply this to your martial arts journey?

*For a similar perspective from another martial artist and academic, check out Michael Monahan’s work here.

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